The Work Ahead: A New Strategic Vision for Progressives

Progressives need to take the time to create and
articulate a vision that will withstand the test of time and transcend
two-, four- and six-year election cycles.

Progressives need to fight for “a more perfect union”—one nation, under
God, indivisible with liberty and justice for ALL. A nation where no
matter where you are born or where you live, if you work hard, play by
the rules, you can share in the American dream.

We can get there by fighting for fundamental individual rights, not
just government programs. If we can summon the national will and
imagination to put a man on the moon, we can give every American the
fundamental right to quality education and health care and build a more
perfect union.

Progressives need a foreign policy of aggressive engagement. We will
stop at nothing to defend our nation, and aggressively promote human
rights and the rule of law around the world. The war on terror isn't
just about capturing terrorists and bombing targets, which addresses
only the symptoms. The war on terror must address the root causes by
reducing poverty, eliminating hunger, and promoting democracy around
the world. In other words, treat the soil in which the seeds of terror
are sown. Aggressive engagement attacks both the roots of terrorism and
the actual terrorists.

A message of fighting to put the human rights of education and health
care in our Constitution as new American rights at home and a policy of
aggressive engagement abroad will give progressives a national appeal.
We must not concede any region of the nation—especially those that need
such policies the most.

Representative Jesse L. Jackson, Jr. represents the second congressional district of the state of Illinois.